Key Features of RCS 4.0
RCS (Rich Communication Services) has been adopted across Android devices, aiming to improve cross-platform messaging consistency. Google Messages has been a key driver in this adoption. The newly announced RCS 4.0 standard is set to further enhance the messaging experience by introducing several new features.
RCS 4.0 is designed to significantly upgrade daily communication for users, bringing advanced features to messaging applications.
Cross-Platform Video Calling
RCS 4.0 will support native video calling. This means applications adopting the standard will be able to initiate and manage video calls directly within the messaging app. This feature is intended to remove the requirement for launching external video call applications or web-based solutions for cross-platform communication, including interactions with businesses and support services.
Specific functionalities for video calls include:
- Users can join group video calls after they have started.
- Call logs will be integrated within the messaging application.
- Devices will automatically identify the appropriate codec to ensure optimal call quality.
High-Quality Audio and Video Sharing
Improvements in RCS 4.0 are expected to enhance the quality of shared images, videos, and audio. The standard will facilitate a "handshake" between devices before file transmission to identify supported codecs. This process allows the sending device to select the optimal encoding, aiming to deliver high-bitrate photos and videos without compression to other RCS users and iPhones. Audio messages are also expected to benefit from a standardized roadmap and codec, ensuring clearer voice notes across platforms.
Native Rich Text Formatting
RCS 4.0 will introduce native support for rich text formatting, such as bold and italics. If a message containing rich text formatting is delivered via SMS fallback, the recipient will receive the original text stripped of formatting, maintaining readability. This feature is also intended to standardize basic formatting styles between RCS and platforms like iMessage, upon iMessage's adoption of RCS 4.0.
These enhancements are primarily designed to impact daily communication for users of Google Messages and other applications that adopt the RCS standard.